Another Monday means another mock draft. For the third straight week, a new name appears in round 1, but I stuck with the approach of taking a DT with that first pick. However, beyond that, I decided to shake things up from the previous mock drafts. A CB appears much earlier, and we also see a RB for the first time in one of these mocks.
Rd 1, Pk 18: DT – Jer’Zhan Newton
Byron Murphy is my top rated DT, but Newton is not far behind. He is a wicked pass rusher, showing great hand technique, instincts, and a high running motor. He wreaks havoc in the backfield on a regular basis, and would bring some juice to the Bengals defence.
Rd 2, Pk 49: CB – Caelen Carson
Carson is someone who excels in man coverage, bringing enough twitch and quickness to blanket receivers. He also possesses the size and length to win physical battles and to reach his arm in to breakup passes.
Rd 3, Pk 80: TE – Theo Johnson
Johnson isn’t the twitchiest athlete, but he brings good straight line speed to threaten down the middle of the field. His 6’6” frame makes him an ideal target in contested situations, and he has the hands and body control to elevate and secure the ball over defenders attempting to make a play. He also has the size to make it as a blocker at the next level.
Rd 3, Pk 97: DT – McKinnley Jackson
After taking T’Vondre Sweat in my last two mock drafts, I ended up with a different NT, in hopes of replacing DJ Reader. He is less flashy, but plays with good strength and has done some good things against the run. Jackson, though, would be a rotational piece early on.
Rd 4, Pk 115: OT – Christian Jones
Jones is a limited athlete, which will present some challenges. However, he has the play strength and length to potentially make it as a starter or, at least, a good depth piece. He is able to anchor against power rushers and can create movement in the run game. Jones is at his best blocking in a phone booth.
Rd 5, Pk 149: WR – Luke McCaffrey
Luke is the brother of star NFL RB Christian McCaffrey. The younger McCaffrey is a converted QB, who is still growing into the WR position. But since making the switch, he has made good strides. His speed is decent, but his quickness and hands are what stands out. McCaffrey is a candidate to be a starter in the slot at the next level.
Rd 6, Pk 194: RB – Isaac Guerendo
His 4.33 40 time at the combine may see him rise up draft boards, but he is someone the Bengals may consider somewhere in the mid rounds. From looking at the testing numbers, you’d think speed is his game. However, he has a well built frame and can lower the shoulder too. Guerendo is also able to contribute in the passing game, both as a receiver and blocker.
Rd 6, Pk 214: OLB – David Ugwoegbu
Ugwoegbu played the edge in college, but could also see him as an off the ball LB at the pro level. He can be a bit segmented as an athlete, which may limit his upside at either position. But he has good instincts and brings size to the table. From the LB position, he is someone who could certainly contribute as a blitzer. The Bengals need depth at LB for the bottom of their roster and also someone who can contribute on special teams. Ugwoegbu could fill that role.
Rd 7, Pk 224: G/C – Mason McCormick
McCormick is a small school prospect with good athletic testing. He plays a tough game, but stiffness on tape will cause some to question if his testing can translate into his game in the future. McCormick played the vast majority of his snaps at LG, but has a bit of experience at C as well. His work at both positions in the offseason has further shown that he is someone who can bring versatility as a depth option.
Rd 7, Pk 237: OT/G – LaDarius Henderson
Henderson doesn’t have any traits that stand out as elite, but enough is there in terms of strength and athleticism to make it work on the field. The majority of his issues lie in his technique. From hand technique to footwork, improvements will need to be made. But he brings outside/inside versatility, a lot of college starting experience, and good enough traits to make it as a good depth option.
